Pakistan formally awarded the
contract for the operation of Gawadar Deep Seaport to China at an impressive
ceremony here in Islamabad on Monday.
An impressive signing ceremony was held in this connection at Presidency that
was witnessed by President Asif Ali Zardari, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Liu
Jian, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, some federal ministers, members of
parliament and senior government officials.
Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the ceremony
actually marked the transfer of Concession Agreement from the Port of Singapore
Authority to the China Overseas Port Holding Company.
President Asif Ali Zardari while addressing this signing ceremony said it is an
auspicious development in Pak-China relations as well as for the people of
Pakistan particularly Balochistan and it will open an era of "new
opportunities".
The President said Gawadar will
soon be a hub of trade and commerce in the region and it holds the key to bring
together the countries of Central Asia and lending a new impetus to Pak-China
relations.
The President traced the history of development of Gawadar and how it was
envisioned by the PPP leaders Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma
Benazir Bhutto and the obstacles created in its way.
President Zardari also highlighted the strategic significance of the port for
China and Central Asian Republics and its potential of integrating the economies
of the countries in the region.
He said the Chinese provinces of Xinjiang and Tibet are closer to Pakistani
ports as compared to the ports in China adding that the development of a trade
corridor linking Xinjiang to the Middle East via Gwadar Port held "huge
promise".
President Asif Ali Zardari said the Gwadar project had very significant and
strategic importance for China adding that nearly 60% of China's crude oil was
imported from the Gulf countries which would increase in the next decade.
He said because of the proximity of the Gulf countries to Gwadar the oil flow
from the Gulf to China would be greatly facilitated by the operation of this
port.
The President said, "Handing over of the operation of Gwadar Port to China is
manifestation of our growing ties and also shows the trust Pakistan has in the
Chinese ability to deliver on our infrastructure projects."
He said development of a trade corridor linking Xinjiang to the Middle East
through Gwadar Port will enhance trade and commerce not only between the two
countries but also in the region.
He said it is an auspicious day in Pakistan-China relations and also an
auspicious day for the people of Gawadar and Balochistan.
The President said the Gwadar Port will take another leap forward in Pak-China
relations.
He said during the PPP government, a Fish Harbor cum Mini Port was built at
Gawadar and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto visited Gawadar on December 14, 1989
to lay the foundation stone of Fish Harbor Project.
He said this became the stepping stone for the Gawadar Deep Sea Port.
He said Pakistan enjoys very cordial and brotherly relations with China adding
that it has made extraordinary progress over the past decades.
He said China has remarkable rise in the region which is a testimony to the
wisdom of its leaders.
The President said China is a source of inspiration for the peoples of
developing countries around the world.
Referring to strong Pak-China ties, the President said, "Our friendship has
stood the test of time and it is a relationship that is without parallel."
He said the foundations of this relationship were laid by visionary leaders of
the time of the two countries and these leaders were Chairman Mao Zedong,
Premier Zhou Enlai and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He said since then the
friendship between Pakistan and China has been growing.
The President said Pak-china friendship has been growing from strength to
strength adding that in recent years, "our two governments have injected new
energy into our relationship."
He said, "I have personally visited China nine times in the past four years and
these visits have helped deepen the strategic cooperation."
The President said his frequent visit to China demonstrates two countries'
commitment to forging even stronger ties.
"We are seeking to expand our existing areas of cooperation and exploring new
avenues for fruitful collaboration," he added.
The President said the handing over of the operation of Gwadar Port to China is
a manifestation of growing ties adding that it shows the trust in the Chinese
ability to deliver on infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
President Zardari said, "We also need to build infrastructure around the Gwadar
Port to promote regional trade and commerce."
The President also appreciated the Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar
Khan Ghori, who could not attend the ceremony, for efforts in finalizing the
arrangements for this signing ceremony.
The President, however, lauded Babar Ghori's efforts in facilitating the
transfer of port operations to China.
Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian speaking on the occasion said
the transfer of Gwadar Port to China will bring tangible benefits to the two
countries and contribute to peace, stability and development of the region.
He said Gwadar Port is part of greater framework of economic cooperation between
Pakistan and China.
Four agreements were signed on this occasion to finally hand over all the
operations of Gwadar Deep Seaport to China Overseas Port Holding Company.
Managing Director China Overseas Port Holding Company signed the agreements on
behalf of his company with Syed Parvez Abbas Chairman Gwadar Port Authority,
Aqeel Karim Dhedhi Chairman AKD Securities, representatives of National
Logistics Cell and Singapore Port Authority which were the share holders when
the Gwadar Port was handed over to Singapore Authority.